FM 5-0, The Operations Process - Federation of American Scientists

Appendix B
situation and problem, and identify what the command must accomplish, when and where it must be done,
and most importantly why—the purpose of the operation.
B-26. Since no amount of subsequent planning can solve a problem insufficiently understood, mission
analysis is the most important step in the MDMP. This understanding of the situation and the problem
allows commanders to visualize and describe how the operation may unfold in their initial commander’s
intent and planning guidance. During mission analysis, the commander and staff perform the process
actions and produce the outputs shown in figure B-2. See FM 6-0 for specific areas of responsibility for
each staff section.
Figure B-2. Mission analysis
Analyze the Higher Headquarters’ Plan or Order
B-27. Commanders and staffs thoroughly analyze the higher headquarters’ plan or order. They aim to
determine how their unit—by task and purpose—contributes to the mission, commander’s intent, and
B-6 FM 5-0 26 March 2010